Daniel Zuloaga

DANIEL ZULOAGA (Madrid, 1852 – Segovia, 1921).
Persian jug from the “Orientalizing” series
Glazed terracotta with a wrought-iron base.
It shows restoration at the rim and signs of wear.
Measurements: 100 x 60 cm; 124 cm (height with base).
A jug from the fourth period, decorated on the upper right half with four circular medallions inscribed within eight-pointed stars. Each medallion depicts a different animal: an elephant, a lion, a gazelle, and a winged bull. In the lower section, the blue glazes are applied in gradations, while the interior is green. This is a pot made from reused folk pottery. This piece belongs to the Eleuterio Laguna collection, which was previously housed at the museum of the Episcopal Palace in Segovia; however, the museum has since closed.
The piece bears a signature, of which only the first name “Juan” is legible; however, the last name is not clearly visible. Therefore, it is concluded that the artist could be Juan Zuloaga.The Zuloaga family achieved a high degree of recognition in the manufacture and decoration of ceramics from the late 19th century well into the 20th century. This fame was the direct result of the work of several family members and the passing down of the craft across generations. First and foremost were Guillermo and Germán (brothers), who built their careers at the ceramics factory located in Moncloa, Madrid. Another family member, Daniel, worked in Segovia and also in Guipúzcoa. Later, Daniel’s sons decided to carry on their father’s craft, with Juan’s work standing out among theirs. Many of the Zuloagas trained in France at the Sèvres factory, an experience that had a certain influence on their style, though without compromising their own personality and identity.